In light of President Cyril Ramaphosas’ national address on Sunday 15 March outlining the South African government’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Laureus Sport for Good Foundation has today started the process of engaging with programmes and stakeholders to best establish the way forward over the coming months. We need to work together to ensure the health and safety of everyone during this difficult time.

Laureus will be taking the necessary precautions in line with the WHO directives, to ensure that we do not contribute in any way to the spread of the virus. We will also be adhering to the national guidelines, in particular observing the directives of not participating or hosting any events and/or public gatherings as well as cancelling all non-essential local and international travel.

We therefore fully support our funded programmes that have made the decision to suspend programming for the next month. There is no doubt that these plans will have to be fluid and re-evaluated as the COVID-19 landscape changes.

It is essential that we communicate frequently with our programmes, who in turn need to ensure communication with their respective communities remains intact, especially during this time where there will be a significant void in programme delivery to many children and youth around the country. COVID-19 will pass, and we as funders, along with our stakeholders, must be ready to pick up the baton and continue our important work in communities.

Finally, the Laureus team will continue with their work as normal, however, to minimise personal contact, we have made the decision to have them work remotely over this period. Please do get in touch with them should there be any concerns or questions in this regard.

For accurate information on COVID-19, and what you can do to protect yourself and your loved ones, please ensure that you consult credible sources only. Internationally the World Health Organisation https://www.who.int/ offers valuable information, and locally the Department of Health has launched a WhatsApp service where news and updates are available – simply add 060 012 3456 as a WhatsApp contact and type Hi to start.